Latest
Matthew Holland|Possessing indecent images of children|Warwick Crown CourtKelly Ord|Assault occasioning actual bodily harm|Warwick Crown CourtAndrew John Orzechowski|Assault by beating and possession of an offensive weapon|Warwick Crown CourtImants Straupe|Assault causing actual bodily harm|Warwick Crown CourtJack Harrison|Inflicting grievous bodily harm|Warwick Crown CourtChristopher Kowal|Possessing indecent images of children|Warwick Crown CourtPeter Ellery|Putting a person in fear of violence by harassment|Warwick Crown CourtLuke Ridley|Causing death by dangerous driving|Teesside Crown CourtMatthew Holland|Possessing indecent images of children|Warwick Crown CourtKelly Ord|Assault occasioning actual bodily harm|Warwick Crown CourtAndrew John Orzechowski|Assault by beating and possession of an offensive weapon|Warwick Crown CourtImants Straupe|Assault causing actual bodily harm|Warwick Crown CourtJack Harrison|Inflicting grievous bodily harm|Warwick Crown CourtChristopher Kowal|Possessing indecent images of children|Warwick Crown CourtPeter Ellery|Putting a person in fear of violence by harassment|Warwick Crown CourtLuke Ridley|Causing death by dangerous driving|Teesside Crown Court

York Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 279 verdicts at York Crown Court (York). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

York Crown Court
July 2021 5 cases
Edward Stewart
Theft *
Sentence
8 months imprisonment
Edward Stewart, 53, from Harrogate, posed as an ex-SAS soldier on a fake online profile in 2016 to impress women, claiming involvement in missions in Syria and Afghanistan, and providing protection for royalty and celebrities like Brad Pitt. He was exposed by The Walter Mitty Hunters Club HQ. Despite public shaming, his father David Brunton, a 94-year-old WWII veteran from the Grenadier Guards, forgave him and allowed him to move in and manage his finances in 2019. Stewart abused this trust by using his father's bank card to steal £1,666 during a four-week spree between June and July 2019 through withdrawals and payments. His sister Francesca Brunton investigated, leading to his admission. The theft contributed to his father's declining health, making him a 'broken man'. Repayment was arranged at £50 per month but stopped. Allegations of stealing tens of thousands over several years were not pursued criminally.
Pleaded guilty to one count of theft of £1,666. Judge Simon Hickey described him as a 'complete Walter Mitty character' who abused his father's trust for selfish ends. Other allegations of fraud and theft to be pursued civilly. Ordered to have no further contact with father.
14 Jul 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
Michael Lonsdale
Breach of restraining order *
Sentence
14 months imprisonment
Michael Lonsdale, 37, from Knaresborough, became fixated on a woman and breached a restraining order four times. The latest breach occurred on May 31, 2021, when he sent her three apologetic WhatsApp messages despite the order. The restraining order was first imposed in September 2020 after he assaulted her. A week later, he breached it and was convicted of battery. In October 2020, while high on cocaine and whisky, he attempted to strangle her. During police questioning after the latest breach, he admitted harbouring sexual fantasies involving 'swinging' with her and potential future violence under the influence of drugs. The victim stated she feared for her life during the strangling incident and feels unsafe, restricting her behaviour when he is not in custody.
Sentenced for breaching restraining order by sending three WhatsApp messages to victim. Pleaded not guilty. Judge noted immense impact on victim and fear of relapse into violent behaviour. Defendant volunteers as a care buddy in prison and hopes to retrain in physical therapy.
13 Jul 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
Maciej Rataj
Assault occasioning actual bodily harm *
Sentence
12 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years with 100 hours unpaid work and 15-day rehabilitation programme
On August 2, 2020, Maciej Rataj attacked a man with a claw hammer after an argument over his barking dog on Nydd Vale Terrace near Harrogate town centre. The victim shouted at the dog to shut up, prompting Rataj to arm himself with the hammer, follow the victim with a friend, and strike him two to three blows to the head from behind, causing him to fall. Rataj then stamped on the victim, possibly to the stomach. The victim suffered cuts to his scalp and lip, and a swollen bloodied nose, and was taken to hospital but discharged himself without a CT scan. Witnesses called police and assisted the victim. Rataj initially lied to police claiming self-defence with an umbrella but admitted the offence.
Of good character with impressive work record. Judge noted the offence merited jail but suspended due to defendant's background. Polish national living in UK for four years.
7 Jul 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
Daniel James Barnes
Making indecent images of children *
Sentence
Three-year community order with sexual offenders’ treatment programme and 30-day rehabilitation course
Daniel James Barnes, 31, of Montpellier Road, Harrogate, handed himself in to Harrogate Police Station in December 2019, admitting to being obsessed with downloading and watching indecent images of children as a form of self-punishment. Police seized his laptop, finding 73 category A images (most serious, including boys as young as six being raped by men), 35 category B, and 4 category C images, along with videos and relevant internet search terms used shortly before surrender. Amphetamine was also found at his home. He appeared high on drugs during his first police interview and later admitted a sexual interest in children. Diagnosed with mental health conditions partly induced by drug use.
Spared jail due to addressing amphetamine problem and mental health issues; warned by Recorder Anthony Hawks that further offenses would result in considerable prison time; previous convictions for assaulting emergency worker.
5 Jul 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
Barrie Liddle
Breach of criminal-behaviour order *
Sentence
one-year community order
Barrie Liddle, a former farmer from Pateley Bridge, persistently drove an uninsured car containing a Border collie alone between March and June 2019, breaching a 2017 court order that prohibited him from being in control of a dog without supervision by a responsible adult. This followed original offences between March and November 2014 where his collies ran loose, scaring and worrying neighbours' sheep in the Pateley Bridge area, causing distress and injury to livestock. He was stopped by police three times and faced 12 charges, admitting three breaches while denying others, which were left on file due to fitness concerns. His dogs were confiscated post-offences.
Admitted three breaches of the original criminal-behaviour order. Judge acknowledged extreme ill-health and mental health issues but imposed a new indefinite criminal-behaviour order to protect neighbours. Excused attendance at hearing due to ill health.
1 Jul 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
June 2021 8 cases
John Roddy
Theft *
Sentence
3 years and 1 month imprisonment
John Roddy, 24, from Headingley, Leeds, stole bicycles worth thousands of pounds from NHS workers outside Harrogate District Hospital and York District Hospital between May and October 2020, at the height of the covid pandemic. He targeted 11 victims, stealing just under £7,000 worth of bikes, many of which were locked and some valued over £1,000. The thefts left NHS workers, who were working 12-hour shifts, extremely distressed; one woman was so damaged by the theft of her £400 bike that she no longer cycles to work.
Pleaded guilty to 11 counts of theft. Had nine previous convictions for offences including vehicle and bike thefts and was subject to a court order at the time. Battled drug addiction. Skipped bail following the offences.
24 Jun 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
Munashe Chikomba
Attempted robbery *
Sentence
30 months imprisonment
On March 27, 2021, at about 3.30pm, Munashe Chikomba, 23, entered Summerbridge Stores near Harrogate with his hood up, face masked by a Snood, carrying a 12-inch rubber-handled hammer, a five-inch knife, and a plastic bag. He approached the counter where store owner James Thornton was working, with a female customer present. Chikomba demanded the till be opened while holding the hammer and knife, appearing calm but fumbling the knife. Thornton refused and reached for his phone to call police. Chikomba told him not to but then fled without taking anything. He drove off in a Vauxhall Corsa, which was stopped by police on York Road. Officers found the weapons and a balaclava in the car. Chikomba incriminated himself by pointing to the balaclava. The incident left the shop owner shaken and fearful for safety.
Admitted attempted robbery, two counts of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place and one count of carrying a blade. No previous convictions. Judge noted it was out of character due to mental health issues and debts. Remorseful. Will serve half before release on licence.
16 Jun 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
Omar Khalid Powell
Burglary *
Sentence
4 years and 4 months imprisonment
Omar Khalid Powell, aged 22, was part of a gang of four Bradford men who on May 10, 2019, travelled to Harrogate in a stolen car with false number plates, equipped with balaclavas, gloves, and screwdrivers. They burgled a house on Halton Gill Grove in Harrogate and a cottage in Ilton near Masham, stealing over £12,000 in jewellery, cash, a diamond necklace, and a Louis Vuitton bag. The Ilton home was ransacked, with every drawer and cupboard opened and mattresses removed; the elderly mother of the homeowner discovered the chaos upon returning. The gang was stopped after a police chase initiated by an off-duty officer, culminating in a crash near Otley.
Was currently serving a two-year sentence for handling a stolen car last autumn. Judge Sean Morris commented on the gang travelling from Bradford in a stolen vehicle with false plates to target prosperous houses in a large police area.
11 Jun 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
William Geoffrey Mann
Dangerous driving *
Sentence
8 months imprisonment and banned from driving for 1 year
William Geoffrey Mann, 22, a delivery worker from Wetherby, was driving a Mercedes under the influence of cocaine, several times over the limit, when he failed to stop for police in Kirk Deighton near Wetherby in September 2020. He reached speeds of up to 137 miles per hour while evading officers through villages including Hunsingore, Cattal, Whixley, Aldborough, Boroughbridge and Bishop Monkton. The pursuit ended in Burton Leonard where Mann crashed into an unmarked police car and was arrested.
Pleaded guilty to drug driving, dangerous driving and failing to stop. Will have to take an extended retest.
11 Jun 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
Brandon Gaughan
Burglary *
Sentence
5 years and 9 months imprisonment
Brandon Gaughan, aged 22, was the driver of the stolen VW Golf used by the gang of four Bradford men who travelled to Harrogate on May 10, 2019. Armed with balaclavas, gloves, and screwdrivers, they broke into a house on Halton Gill Grove in Harrogate and a second home in Ilton near Masham. Over £12,000 worth of jewellery, hundreds of pounds in cash, a diamond necklace, and a Louis Vuitton bag were stolen from the Ilton cottage, leaving it in disarray. The gang was caught after erratic driving was reported, leading to a police pursuit on the A61 and Ripon Road, ending with a crash near Otley after tyres were punctured by a stinger.
Pleaded guilty to the two burglaries and aggravated vehicle theft. Was on parole at the time for a previous burglary carried out with Powell. Banned from driving for 5 years and 10 months.
11 Jun 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
Andrew Joseph Maguire
Burglary *
Sentence
2 years and 10 months imprisonment
Andrew Joseph Maguire, aged 24, was part of a gang of four Bradford men who travelled to Harrogate on May 10, 2019, armed with balaclavas, gloves, and screwdrivers. They used a stolen car with false number plates to break into a house on Halton Gill Grove in Harrogate and a second home in Ilton near Masham. Over £12,000 worth of jewellery, cash, a diamond necklace, and a Louis Vuitton bag were stolen from the Ilton cottage, where the home was left in chaos with drawers and cupboards opened and mattresses removed. The gang was apprehended after a police chase involving a stinger device that caused their vehicle to crash near Otley.
Pleaded guilty to the two burglaries. Eldest member of the gang.
11 Jun 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
Stefan Antonio Slack
Inciting a child to engage in sexual activity *
Sentence
3.5 years imprisonment
In October 2018, Stefan Antonio Slack, aged 24 at the time, added a 15-year-old girl on Snapchat and sent her sexually charged messages, attempting to entice her to meet for sex, including suggestions of group sexual activity. He was subject to an existing court order limiting contact with children due to prior offences. The girl blocked him and her mother reported the messages to police. Slack was arrested, admitted the offences, and claimed he was drunk and couldn't recall sending them.
Pleaded guilty to inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and breaching a sexual-harm prevention order. Previous suspended sentence in 2012 for similar offence involving an 11-year-old girl. New five-year sexual harm prevention order and indefinite sex-offenders register.
10 Jun 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
John Paul Mortimer
Breaching restraining order *
Sentence
6 months imprisonment
John Paul Mortimer, 45, of Ashfield Terrace, Harrogate, breached a restraining order by creating an Instagram account and sending a 'follow' request to the protected woman after spotting her in Harrogate town centre in May 2021, while on prison licence. The restraining order was imposed in September 2019 following his threat to kill her, for which he received a 40-month jail sentence. He was arrested after the woman reported the breach and was recalled to prison.
Pleaded guilty to breaching restraining order. Recorder Richard Woolfall noted his particularly bad record for threats to kill. The sentence was practically immaterial as he had to serve the remainder of his original 40-month term.
4 Jun 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
May 2021 4 cases
Jessica Brennan
Sexual assault of a child *
Sentence
22 years imprisonment with 4-year extended licence
Jessica Brennan groomed and sexually assaulted four young girls, one as young as four years old, in 86 separate incidents over a 17-year period from the late 1990s. The abuse included systematic sexual abuse over 10 years, attempted rape of a girl under 13, and other offences. One victim reported allegations as early as 2000, but charges were brought after further victims came forward three to four years ago. The abuse caused long-term psychological harm, including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and difficulties in relationships and employment for the victims.
Found guilty after trial. No previous convictions. Judge described as dangerous offender with risk of serious harm to young females. Subject to indefinite sexual harm prevention order limiting contact with children.
17 May 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
Llewellyn Mitcham
Causing serious injury by dangerous driving *
Sentence
3 years and 2 months imprisonment
On March 16, 2021, police spotted a car on Bewerley Road in Harrogate believed to belong to a drug dealer. They followed it into a car park and approached the suspects. Llewellyn Mitcham, of Harold Place in Leeds, drove off as officers approached, hitting PC Lister and throwing him into the air, causing a severe fracture to his knee. Mitcham left the car park, sped away, and was arrested 20 miles away after a police pursuit.
Pleaded guilty to causing serious injury whilst dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving whilst disqualified.
17 May 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
Kevin Blount
Coercive or controlling behaviour and assault *
Sentence
18 months imprisonment
Kevin Blount subjected his 17-year-old pregnant partner to 17 months of coercive control, physical violence, and degradation in Harrogate. He controlled her daily activities, requiring permission via text to use the toilet or drink, and forced her to record herself in the bathroom. He isolated her from family, made her write daily lists of promises to obey him, and spent her money on himself. During her labour at Harrogate District Hospital in December 2020, he assaulted her by grabbing her throat, refused pain relief including gas and air, and prevented intimate examinations by midwives. He threatened to harm or kill her and the baby if she contacted police. The victim suffered severe mental health impacts including anxiety and depression. A 10-year restraining order was imposed.
Pleaded guilty to assault and coercive or controlling behaviour. Previous conviction for domestic violence and abuse from 2013. Remorseful for intimidatory behaviour. Military career ended due to dismissal proceedings. Judge criticised refusal of pain relief and proper care during labour, and threats to victim and baby.
13 May 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
Corina Rose Lyons
Fraud *
Sentence
3 years imprisonment
Corina Rose Lyons, a 54-year-old carer from Pannal Green, Harrogate, who worked for a local care group, began caring for the disabled victim in 2004 and became her sole carer in 2010. She exploited the victim's trust by fabricating lies, including claiming she needed money for software for a fake job as a code-writer for Sony, to obtain the victim's credit card and inheritance money. Between 2010 and 2016, Lyons spent £9,649 on the victim's credit card on a shopping spree and persuaded the victim to give her two loans totaling £9,000, amounting to £18,649 defrauded in total. The victim, who suffers from a condition causing chronic pain and requiring a wheelchair, was left devastated, forced to sell her house and unable to buy property in London near relatives, instead purchasing a cheaper one in Scotland where she knew nobody. Lyons denied the allegations initially and tried to blame the victim but pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud on the day of her trial.
Admitted three counts of fraud on the day of her trial. Judge Sean Morris described her as an 'evil fraudster'. Had previous convictions for 18 offences including fraud, theft from the person and obtaining property by deception. In 2009 she had been sent to prison for defrauding another woman out of nearly £100,000.
13 May 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
April 2021 3 cases
Dale Tyson
Child sex offences *
Sentence
10 years imprisonment
Dale Tyson, of Christina Street, Harrogate, used an alter ego online, pretending to be a young North American man, to build relationships with children in the UK and USA and obtain sexual images from them. The 17 offences related to 10 children, including sexual communication with a child and distributing indecent images of a child. North Yorkshire Police believe there are many more victims.
Pleaded guilty to 17 offences. Subject to a sexual harm prevention order for an indefinite period.
23 Apr 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
George Tunney
Conspiracy to cause explosions and to burgle *
Sentence
11 years imprisonment
George Tunney, a 24-year-old from Doncaster, targeted nine cash machines in a spate of crimes across Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, including the Co-op in Starbeck, between January and March 2020. The offences involved conspiracy to cause explosions and to burgle, as well as theft and handling stolen goods. He stole over £35,000 in cash from one ATM and caused in excess of £60,000 worth of damage to businesses. Just months after being released from prison, he began the burglaries in Doncaster and Hull, followed by attacks in Grantham, Mansfield, Nether Poppleton, Shepshed, and Adwick. Some explosives were used at fuel forecourts, endangering lives. He was apprehended after fleeing from police near the York Designer Outlet along the River Ouse.
Pleaded guilty to all charges. Banned from driving for eight years. Prior release from prison mentioned.
6 Apr 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
Gary Bowes
Dangerous driving *
Sentence
10 months imprisonment
Gary Bowes sped through Knaresborough and Harrogate at more than double the speed limit, ignoring road signs and shooting over junctions in residential areas including Stonefall Avenue in Harrogate. At some stages, he drove at speeds of up to 50mph in 20mph zones. He twice drove at the pursuing police car. The incident occurred in the early hours of May 5, 2019. When police caught up, he ran off but was soon caught. No injuries or damage to vehicles occurred, and there were few motorists and pedestrians around.
Admitted the charge of dangerous driving. Subject to a community order for previous offences at the time of the incident. Battled drug and alcohol problems. Criminal record not to his credit. Judge noted powerful mitigation but imposed immediate prison sentence due to seriousness.
2 Apr 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
March 2021 6 cases
Timothy Cheesbrough
Making indecent images of children and inciting sexual activity *
Sentence
21 months imprisonment
Timothy Cheesbrough, 35, from Kirkgate, Ripon, trawled the internet for inappropriate pictures of children as young as four. He downloaded videos of children being raped and sexually abused, including 61 Category A images and videos of girls aged four to 12 being raped by adult males. He visited websites and used video technology to encourage an unidentified girl aged 12-13 in a school uniform to expose her breasts, recording the live-streamed video using PowerPoint software. The activity was linked to his IP address, mobile phone, and Yahoo email accounts. Police searched his flat on September 27, 2018, following a tip-off in September 2018, and forensic analysis of his iPhone, desktop computer, and hard drive revealed over 170 illegal child images.
Admitted three counts of making indecent images and one of causing or inciting an under-age girl to engage in sexual activity. Judge Sean Morris noted addiction to internet pornography leading to seeking indecent images and incitement. Given a seven-year sexual harm prevention order and placed on the sex offenders’ register.
31 Mar 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
Richard Brewins
Causing actual bodily harm *
Sentence
8 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 150 hours unpaid work, 25-day rehabilitation programme, £300 compensation
On January 19, 2021, Richard Brewins, 38, of Thomas Drive, Killinghall, was heavily intoxicated and parked in a Peugeot 20 on Bedlam Lane near Fewston reservoir. Police responded to reports of a man slumped on the steering wheel. He became aggressive when asked to take a breath test, pushed an officer, and head-butted a constable in the face after being pepper sprayed, causing a cut to the bridge of the officer's nose and ongoing psychological effects. A passer-by assisted in restraining him. Brewins, a pizza delivery driver with complex psychiatric difficulties, was receiving treatment.
Pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm. Judge noted the offence was serious enough for custody but suspended due to defendant seeking professional help to turn his life around. Seven previous convictions including three for common assault.
28 Mar 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
Christopher Hollowed
Supplying a Class A drug *
Sentence
20 months imprisonment
Christopher Hollowed, 54, of Mount Parade, was caught by plain-clothed officers dealing crack cocaine and heroin on the streets of Harrogate as part of a county lines operation. On an unspecified date in 2020, undercover officers in an unmarked car observed Hollowed exchanging a drugs packet via a 'hand-off' handshake with another man in the street. The men fled when approached, but Hollowed was recognized and apprehended, with cash seized. Fingerprints on the drug wraps linked him to the sale. A search of his block of flats revealed connections to a wider county lines investigation involving 'cuckooing' of vulnerable residents. Hollowed acted as a runner, moving drugs from a flat to the street. He was arrested on January 9, 2020.
Admitted two counts of supplying a Class A drug. Has 105 prior offences including 10 for drug possession. Described as a vulnerable drug user exploited by higher-level suppliers. Will serve half the sentence behind bars before release on licence.
19 Mar 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
Thomas David Ball
Voyeurism *
Sentence
20 months imprisonment
Thomas David Ball, a 30-year-old senior house master at Queen Ethelburga’s near Boroughbridge, became infatuated with a teenage boy pupil. In summer 2018, he installed a spy camera in a school bathroom and asked the boy to shower after registration. The boy noticed the active camera connected to wires under the sink and informed his mother. Ball initially denied the voyeurism but changed pleas to guilty a month before trial. He also downloaded prohibited images of young children being raped, bound, and tortured, and conducted 29 Google searches for the victim a month prior. Ball tried to blame other staff and admitted to the deputy safeguarding leader it was a stupid mistake.
Pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, downloading prohibited images, voyeurism. Placed on sex-offenders’ register for 10 years and subject to sexual-harm prevention order. Judge described offences as gross breach of trust against vulnerable boy.
17 Mar 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
William Charles Jackson
Causing death by dangerous driving *
Sentence
5 years and 8 months' imprisonment
On April 3, 2019, at around 10pm, William Charles Jackson was driving his red Vauxhall Astra along the A168 between Kirk Deighton and Walshford. Approaching the crest of a hill with double solid white lines, he overtook a slower moving vehicle, failing to see the oncoming car driven by Micheala Young carrying her mother Maria Cuzyova from Slovakia, her husband Nicholas Young, and their five-year-old daughter. This led to a head-on collision, killing 62-year-old Maria Cuzyova and causing life-changing injuries to Micheala and Nicholas Young, with the child suffering minor injuries.
Pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Banned from driving for 7 years and 10 months. Ordered to pay £190 victim surcharge. Judge Simon Hickey referenced a disturbing text message showing disregard for road safety.
11 Mar 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
Michael Palmer
Attempted robbery *
Sentence
4 years and 7 months imprisonment
Michael Palmer, 41, and an unnamed accomplice broke into the Harrogate flat of a woman and her 60-year-old ill partner at about 3.30am on February 22, 2019, by smashing a pane of glass in the front door. Wearing masks and balaclavas, with Palmer in a black jacket, they confronted the woman in the hallway, pushed her into the living room, demanded money, and forced her to the floor. They searched the flat, entered the bedroom where the male victim was in bed, and demanded the woman's phone when she tried to call for help. They left empty-handed. Police arrested them nearby with items including a crowbar, gloves, and a home-made balaclava matching the crime scene via glass fragments and DNA. The victims were left traumatised, with the man suffering nightmares and both now nervous at bedtime.
Pleaded guilty to attempted robbery. Career criminal with over 100 prior offences including burglaries, violence, and dishonesty. Hooked on crack cocaine and alcohol at the time. Judge condemned the horrific offence of random violence on innocent elderly victims.
1 Mar 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
February 2021 2 cases
Andrew Paul Christian Brown
Supplying heroin *
Sentence
5 years and 7 months imprisonment
Andrew Paul Christian Brown, 46, was arrested in the Montpellier Hill area of Harrogate on 17 September 2020 by officers from North Yorkshire Police’s Operation Expedite team. He was charged with supplying heroin on dates in 2019 and 2020, as well as possessing criminal property – namely more than £700 found in his underwear following a search by officers.
Pleaded guilty. £716 confiscated and must pay a victim surcharge.
19 Feb 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
Monique Shiels
Possessing cocaine and ketamine with intent to supply *
Sentence
2 years imprisonment
Monique Shiels, 25, from Water Skellgate, Ripon, was working as a traffic marshal at the 2019 UCI Road World Championships in Harrogate when police responded to a tip-off about her dealing drugs. On September 25, 2019, the fourth day of the event, officers found her near her vehicle with £333 cash, orange tablets, and powdered substance in a black bag. A search of her car revealed digital weighing scales, a mobile phone with texts discussing drug deals, 8g of cocaine, and 10g of ketamine. Text messages indicated ongoing drug-dealing activities for some time. She was arrested, refused to answer questions, and later admitted the charges.
Pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and ketamine with intent to supply. Nine previous convictions for offences including violence, breaching court orders and possessing MDMA. Judge noted offences were so serious that immediate prison sentence was required. Sentence reduced due to delay in case and COVID-19 conditions in prisons. Vehicle confiscated and statutory surcharge ordered.
18 Feb 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
January 2021 1 case
Ian Binns
Stalking causing fear of violence *
Sentence
3 years and 4 months imprisonment
Ian Binns, 46, from Woodfield Road, Harrogate, stalked his ex-partner between September and December 2020 following the end of their six-year on-off relationship. He followed her in the street, drove past her home shouting and screaming, bombarded her with 53 phone calls while she was on holiday, sent bloodstained 'begging' letters expressing love and self-harm threats, forced his way into her home resulting in a physical altercation, cut his arm and tried to smear blood on her, doused himself in fuel and attempted to set himself alight in front of her, and pushed her to the ground causing injury. The victim reported him to police after hiding from him and suffering nightmares; she described him as reckless, irrational, dangerous, and unstable.
Admitted the charge of stalking causing fear of violence. Made subject to a lifetime restraining order banning contact with the victim or going near her home. Mental health issues and taking tranquilizers at the time of offences noted, but behaviour described as outside normal human behaviour.
28 Jan 2021
thestrayferret.co.uk
December 2020 3 cases
Ethan Bodally
Possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply *
Sentence
2 years imprisonment
Ethan Bodally and Ben Bland were caught by undercover police officers selling heroin and crack cocaine in Valley Gardens, Harrogate, a well-known drug dealing spot, on January 7, 2020. The officers noticed the age disparity between the defendants and suspected users. Bodally, from Leeds, was involved in county lines drug dealing while on bail for prior offenses.
Admitted two counts of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply. Had eight previous convictions and was serving a four-and-a-half year sentence for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Under extreme pressure from drug bosses to meet £5,000 debt, including a brutal attack that broke his thigh bone. Judge noted it was the least sentence possible, adding one year to his existing term.
11 Dec 2020
thestrayferret.co.uk
Ben Bland
Possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply *
Sentence
2 years suspended prison sentence, 200 hours unpaid work, 19-session thinking-skills programme
Ben Bland and Ethan Bodally were caught by undercover police officers selling heroin and crack cocaine in Valley Gardens, Harrogate, on January 7, 2020. Police found £85 on Bland hidden in his sock, and later retrieved a bag he hid in a bush containing over £1,000 worth of heroin and crack cocaine. They were involved in county lines drug dealing from Leeds.
Admitted two counts of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply. £85 found hidden in his sock. A member of the public reported him hiding a bag in a bush containing heroin and crack cocaine worth over £1,000.
11 Dec 2020
thestrayferret.co.uk
Martin Richard Shepherd
Breaching a sexual harm prevention order *
Sentence
2 years imprisonment
Martin Richard Shepherd, a former IT support officer at Harrogate District Hospital, breached his sexual harm prevention order by deleting internet history and downloading a vast amount of pornography including indecent images of children on his Android tablet. The breaches occurred over a four-month period between May and September 2020, discovered during an unannounced police visit on September 2, 2020, at his home in Harrogate. He admitted viewing indecent videos of children at least twice a week, sometimes daily, mainly involving female children aged 10 and over, and confessed he couldn't resist the urge. This follows his 2017 conviction for possessing 748,000 illegal images amassed over 14 years from 2002 to 2016, including Category A material of very young children, distribution of 19 videos, and voyeurism of teenagers in 2005 and 2012.
Pleaded guilty to four counts of breaching a sexual harm prevention order. Described as a dangerous offender who had breached the order before. Judge noted he couldn't help himself. Must serve two-thirds behind bars or until Parole Board deems fit, followed by extended four-year period on prison licence.
10 Dec 2020
thestrayferret.co.uk
November 2020 4 cases
16-Year-Old Teenager From Doncaster
Conspiracy to commit burglaries and conspiracy to cause explosions *
Sentence
2-year detention and training order
The 16-year-old from Doncaster and Frederick Squires targeted cash machines across Yorkshire and Leicestershire using a stolen vehicle with cloned registration plates. On March 4, they pumped gas into a cash machine at the post office in Shepshed, Leicestershire, and lit a fuse, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Later that night, at about 3.15am, they targeted the Jet garage in Adwick near Doncaster, stealing £35,130 in cash cassettes. On March 6, shortly after 1am, they unsuccessfully targeted the cash machine at the Co-op on High Street in Starbeck, causing an explosion. On March 10, following a 100mph police chase near York, the vehicle crashed into barriers at the York Designer Outlet. The teenager and Squires were found hiding in a tree trunk near the River Ouse and arrested.
Found guilty following trial. Cannot be named for legal reasons.
26 Nov 2020
thestrayferret.co.uk
Frederick Squires
Conspiracy to commit burglaries and conspiracy to cause explosions *
Sentence
8 years and 6 months imprisonment
Frederick Squires and an unnamed 16-year-old targeted cash machines across Yorkshire and Leicestershire using a stolen vehicle with cloned registration plates. On March 4, they pumped gas into a cash machine at the post office in Shepshed, Leicestershire, and lit a fuse, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Later that night, at about 3.15am, they targeted the Jet garage in Adwick near Doncaster, stealing £35,130 in cash cassettes. On March 6, shortly after 1am, they unsuccessfully targeted the cash machine at the Co-op on High Street in Starbeck, causing an explosion. On March 10, following a 100mph police chase near York, the vehicle crashed into barriers at the York Designer Outlet. Squires and the teenager were found hiding in a tree trunk near the River Ouse and arrested.
Pleaded guilty to all charges. Disqualified from driving for 7 years and 3 months.
26 Nov 2020
thestrayferret.co.uk
Daniel Chatten
Possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply *
Sentence
three-and-a-half years imprisonment
Daniel Chatten, 18, from Harrogate, was arrested twice for supplying heroin and crack cocaine. On July 6, 2020, police spotted him walking away from a known drug user in Tower Street, Harrogate. He ran but was caught in Victoria Avenue, where officers found £675 cash, a debt list, a constantly ringing mobile phone, and 100 wraps of Class A drugs (57 high-purity cocaine and 43 heroin) in his underpants. He bragged the cash was not even half a day's takings and was acting as a drug runner for higher suppliers. Released on bail, he was arrested again about six weeks later on Coach Road after being spotted and recognised. A single wrap of cocaine was found in a cigarette lighter, and a search of his home revealed 22 wraps of cocaine, 11 wraps of heroin, 23 smaller bags of heroin, 23 deal bags of crack cocaine, weighing scales, and £160 cash, which he helped locate. He began selling drugs to buy a house and continued to repay debts after the first seizure.
Pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply. No previous convictions for drug offences. Judge noted he was dealing potentially lethal substances that create misery and continued offending after arrest due to debt.
18 Nov 2020
thestrayferret.co.uk
James Bryant
Outraging public decency *
Sentence
9 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years
On February 27, 2020, just before 7pm, James Bryant, 38, of Shaw Mills, Harrogate, parked at a Harrogate filling station, waited for the forecourt to clear, entered the shop, exposed himself to the lone female cashier, and performed a lewd act while smiling, lasting about half a minute. The victim was distressed and afraid for her life, now locking the shop door in the evenings. Bryant drove away and was arrested two weeks later when his vehicle was spotted. Police found a machete, hunting knife, and lock knife in his car boot among his possessions; he claimed they were from his recent move from Cambridge to Harrogate. He had lost over £50,000 in cryptocurrency, was a heavy cannabis user, living out of his car, and unemployed. He admitted the offenses and had a prior 2016 conviction for indecent exposure.
Ordered to complete a 40-day rehabilitation programme and a 90-day sex-offending prevention course. Judge commented on self-induced mental health problems from cannabis use.
16 Nov 2020
thestrayferret.co.uk
October 2020 2 cases
Colin Bradley
Possessing a bladed article in public and theft *
Sentence
11 months imprisonment
Colin Bradley, 33, of Hargrove Road, entered Asda in Harrogate on March 3, 2020, carrying a meat cleaver and stole two bottles of Jack Daniel's whisky. He became aggressive when confronted by store staff, threatening with the hidden weapon, before leaving. Police stopped him shortly after and he handed over the meat cleaver. He was drunk and possibly high on drugs. During bail, CCTV showed he committed multiple thefts from February to June 2020, including alcohol, food, and ready meals from Co-op stores on Knaresborough Road and King Edward Drive, and Sainsbury’s in Knaresborough. He had 10 prior convictions including possessing an imitation firearm, carrying a knuckle duster, serious violence, and drug offences. The spree was linked to binge-drinking and homelessness following family bereavements.
Pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article in public and seven counts of theft. Judge noted it was a serious offence requiring immediate custody, with a minimum jail term as a second-striker for possessing a blade or offensive weapon. Will serve half behind bars before release on licence.
13 Oct 2020
thestrayferret.co.uk
Daryl Hart
Assault occasioning actual bodily harm *
Sentence
14-month sentence suspended for 18 months
Daryl Hart, 46, from Harrogate, was drunk and high on cocaine when he attacked a man in Scarborough with an unidentified weapon in August 2019. The incident occurred after Hart and a female left the West Riding pub on Castle Road to look for drugs and were followed by the victim to a flat. The victim forced his way into the flat and attacked Hart, leading to a fight in which Hart used the weapon, causing the victim several puncture wounds to his back and two to the front, including a punctured lung requiring hospital treatment.
Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Ordered to complete a 30-day rehabilitation programme. Prior violent convictions taken into account, but health issues, remorse, and not being the initial aggressor considered.
2 Oct 2020
thestrayferret.co.uk
September 2020 2 cases
Alexander Melville
Causing serious injury by careless driving *
Sentence
5 months imprisonment
On January 26, 2020, at about 8.45am, Alexander Melville, 42, from Roseville Drive, Harrogate, was driving an unregistered and uninsured BMW on Knaresborough Road, Harrogate, after inflating its tyres at a garage. While lighting a cigarette, the vehicle veered onto the pavement, struck pedestrian Richard Selby, 58, causing a double fracture of the leg, dislocated shoulder, and fracture of the shinbone at the knee joint. Selby required surgery including pins in his broken leg and still needs crutches eight months later. Melville collected his belongings and walked away casually. He handed himself in after seeing police appeals. Melville had been disqualified from driving the previous year in Lincolnshire and lost his job as an award-winning prestige car salesman.
Pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving, driving while disqualified, having no insurance, failing to stop after a road crash and failing to report an accident. Also given a two-year driving ban. Judge noted he was ordinarily a decent man but disqualified drivers must expect immediate prison.
29 Sep 2020
thestrayferret.co.uk
Joel Adam Rushton
Assault occasioning actual bodily harm and Malicious Communications *
Sentence
22 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 150 hours unpaid work, 25-day rehabilitation programme, 9-month curfew, £1,500 compensation
On January 3, 2020, Joel Adam Rushton assaulted a police officer, fracturing his nose and cheekbone, while resisting arrest at his home in Harrogate for making threatening phone calls to his ex-partner six months after their breakup in June 2019. The threats included statements like 'I’m going to smash your head in; I’m going to kill you' and he had visited her mother's property, kicking the door. The ex-partner sought refuge at Harrogate Police Station due to fear. During the arrest, Rushton became violent, requiring pepper spray, and grabbed an officer's baton. The officer suffered physical injuries and ongoing mental effects including depression and sleep problems.
Pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker occasioning actual bodily harm and making threatening phone calls under the Malicious Communications Act. Judge noted good character references and out-of-character behaviour, but branded threats to ex-partner as disgraceful. Previous convictions for public disorder taken into account.
4 Sep 2020
thestrayferret.co.uk
August 2020 1 case
Geoffrey Crowther
Making and taking indecent images of children *
Sentence
12 months in jail
Geoffrey Crowther took indecent images of a three-year-old girl secretly on two different smart phones between 30 April 2017 and 14 November 2018. He also made four indecent images of children in Category A, three in Category B, and ten in Category C between 14 June 2017 and 14 November 2018. He was arrested on 12 November 2018 following intelligence of suspicious website activity. Devices were seized and examined. Charged on 1 April 2020 and pleaded guilty on 9 July 2020. Safeguarding measures implemented for the child; no contact offences occurred.
Pleaded guilty to four charges. Placed on the sex offenders’ register. Self-employed heavy goods driver.
26 Aug 2020
thestrayferret.co.uk
July 2020 2 cases
Armaan Ahmad
Possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply *
Sentence
20 months imprisonment
Armaan Ahmad, 24, from Church Lane, Adel, Leeds, was arrested on April 18, 2019, after police stopped his Audi A3 in Harrogate and found 26 wraps of cocaine worth £380 and six bags of MDMA powder, along with £340 cash and a mobile phone with incriminating messages. The messages showed he was directed by a drugs boss to deal cocaine and MDMA in Harrogate and Leeds, earning £100 that day for selling £780 worth of drugs. He claimed he had only been dealing for two days and handed over remaining drugs at a mosque in Leeds. He fell into dealing after losing his job, getting into debt from a payday loan, and being tempted by a friend with easy money. He played a significant role as a drug runner or courier.
Pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply. Described as 'intelligent but naive' by defence. Judge noted he was ordinarily a decent young man who brought shame to his family. Will serve half behind bars before release on licence.
30 Jul 2020
thestrayferret.co.uk
Daniel John Gresham
Sexual touching a girl aged under 13 and making and distributing indecent images of children *
Sentence
3 years imprisonment
Daniel John Gresham sexually abused a girl aged under 13 over a 2 year period from 2013, making and distributing indecent images of the same girl, which he shared online earlier in 2020. He was arrested in March 2020 after police seized electronic devices from his home in Harrogate, which were analysed by North Yorkshire Police's Digital Forensics Unit.
Pleaded guilty to sexual touching a girl aged under 13 and making and distributing indecent images of the same girl. Made subject to a 15 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the sex offenders’ register.
18 Jul 2020
thestrayferret.co.uk
Date Not Specified 7 cases
Daniel Gallagher
Attempted grievous bodily harm with intent *
Sentence
18 months imprisonment
70-year-old motorist drove into the back wheel of a cyclist riding an e-bike with his wife in Filey Brigg Country Park, causing him to fall. Gallagher exited his car with clenched fists shouting 'I’m going to batter you'. After the cyclist remounted, Gallagher rammed him again onto the bonnet and windscreen. He then performed a U-turn and clipped the rider once more as the couple moved onto grass. The cyclist suffered long-term shoulder and neck pain and feared for his life.
Pleaded guilty to attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving. Banned from driving for 21 months and must take an extended driving test. Judge Sean Morris described his behaviour as that of a 'lunatic' in a complete road rage, noting it could have resulted in murder if the cyclist had died.
1 Jan 0001
road.cc
David Anthony Cave
Burglary *
Sentence
5 years imprisonment
On 24 October 2020, David Anthony Cave, along with two other men, travelled from Middlesbrough to Helmsley in a stolen black Ford Fiesta ST displaying false plates. Between 11am and 11.30am, they entered a garage on Orchard Way and stole three mountain bikes valued at £12,000. Police pursued the vehicle; a stinger was deployed, and the car stopped at Sutton Bank. All three were arrested and the bikes recovered.
Pleaded guilty to burglary.
1 Jan 0001
hambletontoday.co.uk
Darren Lee James
Rape and sexual assault *
Sentence
15 years imprisonment
Darren Lee James raped and sexually abused a young girl in York. The child became separated from her family while shopping, and James took her down a dark alleyway by a shop on Thoresby Road where he carried out his first sexual assault. A few days later, he raped her and carried out a serious sexual assault. The victim did not initially tell anyone due to fear of trouble but later confided in a relative and social worker. James, of Thoresby Road, Acomb, York, North Yorkshire, YO24, and the girl are not related.
Denied rape and two charges of sexual assault but convicted by a jury. Recorder Dapinder Singh QC described it as a sustained incident on a particularly vulnerable complainant. Additional 1 year extended supervision, placed on sex offenders register for life, and made subject to indefinite sexual harm prevention order. No prior sexual convictions; mitigation included chequered upbringing, excess drinking, cannabis dependence, unemployment, and long-standing mental health problems.
1 Jan 0001
offenders.org.uk
Colin Andrew Redshaw
Burglary *
Sentence
3 years imprisonment
On 24 October 2020, Colin Andrew Redshaw, along with two other men, travelled from Middlesbrough to Helmsley in a stolen black Ford Fiesta ST displaying false plates. Between 11am and 11.30am, they entered a garage on Orchard Way and stole three mountain bikes valued at £12,000. Police pursued the vehicle; a stinger was deployed, and the car stopped at Sutton Bank. All three were arrested and the bikes recovered.
Pleaded guilty to burglary and aggravated vehicle taking without the owner's consent.
1 Jan 0001
hambletontoday.co.uk
Christopher Jacketts
Arranging the commission of a child sexual offence *
Sentence
16 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months
Christopher Jacketts, a 35-year-old former British Army corporal, met a woman on Bumble and moved conversations to WhatsApp, where he suggested sexual activity in the presence of a child and discussed other shocking sexual topics. The woman gathered evidence and contacted police. Investigation revealed illegal indecent images of children on his mobile phone, including a prohibited image and several indecent images in varying categories of seriousness. He pleaded guilty and, at York Crown Court, was sentenced to a 16-month prison term suspended for 18 months, with 20 days of rehabilitative activities. The offences ended his 12-year military career and his marriage.
Pleaded guilty to arranging the commission of a child sexual offence, possession of prohibited and indecent images of children, and publishing an obscene article. An extraordinary letter from his wife and ongoing family support were considered. Placed on the sex offenders register and made subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order. Lost his military career and marriage.
1 Jan 0001
sexoffenders.co.uk
Christian Krishna Martoglio
Rape *
Sentence
9 years and 9 months imprisonment
Christian Krishna Martoglio raped a woman at her North Yorkshire home in 2022 after a social occasion; the victim awoke to find him raping her. He twice denied the allegations but forensic tests proved his guilt. Separately, between January and August 2021 he targeted a vulnerable 15-year-old girl, subjecting her to two rapes, five sexual assaults and an act of actual bodily harm, leaving her with lasting trauma, flashbacks and a need for counselling.
Pleaded guilty to rape of a woman and to two counts of rape, five counts of sexual assault and one of actual bodily harm against a girl under 16. Forensic evidence led to the guilty plea after initial denials.
1 Jan 0001
hambletontoday.co.uk
Christopher Halloran
Rape and sexual assault of children *
Sentence
19 years' imprisonment with an extended 8-year licence
Christopher Halloran sexually abused up to a dozen children, some as young as three and four, over three decades from September 1986 to 2018 in properties in Hampshire and Selby, North Yorkshire. He groomed victims with cigarettes and alcohol, played 'games of dare' before exposing himself and assaulting them, including taking one victim to woods and another to a bird hide. Victims, both girls and boys, were sworn to secrecy and suffered long-term effects including mental health issues, job loss and marriage breakdowns.
Admitted 26 charges including two counts of rape, indecency with a child, sexual assault of children under 13 and assault by penetration. Eight other charges left on file. Judge Andrew Stubbs QC noted he is dangerous to children. Ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and made subject to a sexual-harm prevention order for life.
1 Jan 0001
offenders.org.uk

Disclaimer: The information on this page is compiled from publicly available court records and published media reports. It is provided strictly for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as a definitive record of any individual's criminal history or legal status.

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The Castle, York YO1 9WZ, York, YO1 9WZ, United Kingdom
+441904645121
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 17:00

About York Crown Court

York Crown Court, located in York, is a Crown Court that handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and other indictable offences. With 279 sentencing records in our database, it is one of the Crown Courts serving the York area. Crown Courts sit with a judge and jury, and have the power to impose the full range of sentences available under UK law.

The court can be found at The Castle, York YO1 9WZ, YO1 9WZ.

Accessibility provisions at this court include wheelchair accessible entrance.

For enquiries about cases heard at this court, you can contact the court by telephone on +441904645121 or visit the official court website for further information.

All sentencing information published on this page has been sourced from publicly-available records and verified by our editorial team. If you believe any information is inaccurate or should be removed, you can submit a removal request directly from the relevant listing above.

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